OUR TEAM
Comprised of dedicated professionals who model strong ethics and a collaborative attitude.
Each team member brings his or her individual style and experience to create a positive learning environment. The FCS team members receive specialized training in the Education With Insight philosophy and all hold credentials in areas of their specialties.
ADMINISTRATION
Jeanine Fitzgerald
Founder, Fitzgerald Community School
Jeanine draws on more than 35 years of professional experience to empower teachers and parents to achieve more with children “at risk.” With experience as a certified teacher, mental health professional and mother of three grown children, she understands the promise of every child, as well as the diversity of their needs.
Certified Human Behavior Specialist
As a certified Human Behavior Consultant and Specialist, and Owner of The Fitzgerald Institute of Lifelong Learning, Jeanine specializes in research-based strategies in educational leadership, relationship-building, motivation, preventing the factors that compromise the fulfillment of a child’s maximum potential and implementing positive interventions in “real life” settings. She understands the daily struggles and frustrations of educators and parents, and honors the “hero within” each individual she has the privilege to work along side.
Speaker, Consultant and Trainer
As a speaker, consultant and master trainer, Jeanine has worked with thousands of children, professionals and parents across the country. The settings have been varied and included keynote presentations for The Child Welfare League of America, The New England Association for the Education of Young Children, The New England Head Start Association, The Vermont Foster and Adoptive Parent Association, The Children’s Trust Fund, and The Family Child Care Association of New York State. In addition, Jeanine has taught at the college level and presented on the campuses of The University of Rhode Island, Bryant University, Lyndon State College, and Harvard University. She is recognized on the federal level as an approved trainer in the fields of education, disabilities and mental health.
Author
As an author, Jeanine has published The Dance of Interaction and a national training program entitled Education with Insight. She is currently putting the finishing touches on her second and third books, Educating the Heart and Through the Eyes of A Child. Jeanine has appeared on public television in four states, and currently has air time in her home state of Massachusetts.
Erin Fournier
Head of School
With a Master’s in Educational Administration and Management from Fitchburg State University, Erin began her career in education in the public schools. After just a few short years in the system, it became clear to her that she wanted to create an environment where every child felt visible, valued and supported; Where every child had the freedom to learn at their own pace and in the ways that worked best for them; A place that gave children a skill set applicable in the real world; A place where children could be comfortable and feel love and caring from the adults whom they interacted with each day; A strong foundation for future success. In 2014, alongside Jeanine Fitzgerald, Erin was finally able to live out her dream of opening the Fitzgerald Community School. Their independent learning community is the fulfillment of a lifelong vision. They are thrilled to offer families the opportunity to be a part of truly caring, engaging and exciting learning experience! Erin resides in Hubbardston with her family. She enjoys kayaking, shopping, staying busy and enjoying time with friends and family.
Meet Our Learning Coaches
Carissa Seminoff
Elementary Learning Coach
Carissa has been in the early education field for over 10 years. She received her bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Fitchburg State College and has worked with military children as a preschool teacher in Fort Wainwright, Alaska, and then as a library Storytime volunteer in Camp Humphrey’s, South Korea. She worked as a preschool teacher at Applewild Preschool Devens, a Reggio inspired nature school in Massachusetts, for the past 4 years, and discovered a passion for child led, nature-based learning and the benefits of emergent curriculum. She is children’s yoga certified and helped to develop and implement a yoga and mindfulness curriculum during her time there.
In her off time, Carissa spends her days with her two children and husband and enjoys yoga, bike riding, hiking, crafting and reading.
Valerie Witkum
Elementary Learning Coach
Valerie grew up with a love for nature and all animals, where she spent her childhood exploring the beautiful landscapes of New Hampshire. Her favorite memories were a mix of catching frogs, fishing, swimming in ponds, visiting many farms, feeding squirrels, and birdwatching. Working with young children for the past 25 years in both home and educational settings, taught Valerie that hands-on, immersive experiences in nature gives children a true and lasting sense of belonging. With the outdoors being her favorite place to spend her time, she quickly recognized the important role outdoor play and exploration had on the physical, emotional, and social development of all the children in her care. It is so amazing to see children develop a love for learning and the outdoors. Valerie really enjoys connecting with the spontaneity, curiosity, and creativity of the littlest learners. Her gentle and playful mentoring style cultivates a space for children to be their true, connected selves. She feels passionate about providing children the time for free play and developing emergent curriculums based on their natural interests. Valerie is new to this part of Massachusetts, and is looking forward to exploring new woods and getting out on some new water! As a mom to two teenage girls, 4 cats, and a dog, life can be pretty busy. When time allows, she loves to read, plant flowers, explore new trails and lakes, spend time with her family, go to the beach, and yes- she still LOVES to catch frogs!
Kaitlyn Prentiss
Elementary Learning Coach
A graduate of Fitchburg State University, Kaitlyn has a bachelor’s degree in Biology and Chemistry with a concentration in health science, and is preparing to complete a masters in Education to share her knowledge and passion of science to others. With a long background of nannying and childcare, Kaitlyn also spends the summer months gardening and working with clients to encourage native plantings to help re-establish healthy ecosystems to our region. In her spare time she enjoys camping, yoga, biking, collecting/mining for gemstones, gardening, and reading about nature.
Emily Stewart
Preschool Learning Coach
Emily is a Central Massachusetts native and Assumption College graduate. With a Bachelor of Arts in Human Services and Rehabilitation, a minor in psychology and years of experience working at numerous schools in the area, Emily is excited to honor learners unique needs. Having a passion for music, dancing, fashion, the outdoors, creating, exploring, and learning have led Emily to pursue education further. In her free time, Emily loves to listen to music of all genres, see live bands, and journal. Hiking, skiing, and yoga are a few of the activities she enjoys. Her Cavachon puppy named Roamee, and her many houseplants are her pride and joy. “Wherever you go, no matter what the weather, always bring your own sunshine!” -Anthony J. D’Angelo.
Lindsey Miranda
Preschool Learning Coach
Lindsey has enjoyed working with children for as long as she can remember. At 16, she started working with school age children at an afterschool program, where she eventually became a site coordinator while also working at their Daycare/Preschool location with toddler-preschool ages. She worked their off and on for many years, in between being a stay at home mom to her five children and caring for several of her family’s and friend’s children at her home. Post Covid, Lindsey returned back to work full time as a preschool teacher, while taking college courses to earn her Lead Teacher certification. Lindsey has always been fascinated with child development, behavior and neuroscience and has seen first hand how positive social experiences, support and relationships can have a lasting impact in a child’s life. Lindsey loves empowering children to be their authentic selves, and teaching them that they have a voice and they matter. When she’s not having a blast playing at school, Lindsey enjoys spending time in nature(especially around water), hiking with her kids, spending time with friends and family, yoga and anything crafty.
Rich McHugh
Program Assistant & AfterCare Coach
After spending a year at FCS as a program assistant, substitute, aftercare coach, and summer camp coach, Rich has joined our team as a full time Preschool Coach. Rich comes to Fitz with 15 years of sales coaching where he traveled the country helping companies sales teams learn best practices and the methodologies to achieve greatness. Along with a vast history of educating sales teams Rich has also been a volunteer with Big Brothers/Big Sisters, NH Special Olympics, and as a rec sports coach in multiple towns and states. Rich is super excited to bring his knowledge to Fitz and help coach the preschoolers to achieve their goals and to ensure they are learning in a fun and safe environment.
Jacqui Pugliese
Assistant Learning Coach
Jacqui began studying Early Childhood Education in highschool which inspired her to work with children. She became Lead Teacher certified and ran a Toddler room and later, an Infant room. From daycare to nannying and working at an afterschool program, Jacqui has over 10 years of experience working with children between the ages of infancy – middle school.
As a mother of two boys who have attended The Fitzgerald Community School, Jacqui has attended many of Jeanine’s, Parent with Insight trainings and strongly believes in the power of positive communication to build confidence in children.
In her free time, Jacqui enjoys hiking, camping, boating, and balancing on her balance board. She also enjoys writing children’s stories which she hopes to one day publish and spread positive messages to young children.
Samantha Borgstrom
Building Substitute
Samantha is a child care specialist with over 12 years of experience within babysitting, nannying and after school program care.
In addition to working with children, Samantha is a holistic nutrition and mindset coach, focused on looking at wellness holistically. She uses this approach in working with children as each child deserves to live with authenticity and alignment.
She also has a BBA in Marketing from University of Massachusetts, Amherst where she went on to work in LA and NYC for top beauty, fashion and wellness brands.
When she is not at FCS, you can find Samantha practicing pilates, cooking, traveling or hosting curated events with friends and family.
Meet Our Specialists
Amy Crossin
Art Specialist
Amy holds a B.F.A from Anna Maria College where she majored in Fine Arts and minored in Education and Psychology and received a Master’s in Expressive Therapies from Lesley University. She left a career in the non-profit sector to raise her family, but continued to work as an artist and hold volunteer positions focused on education and teaching. When her two daughters were school age, she became a pre-school teacher.
Amy is the founder of a home-based art program called The Parading Palette, where she introduces children to the great art masters through play, stories, and art projects. She lives in North Grafton with her daughters and husband, Dan.
Jennifer Lentz
Music Specialist
Jen received a Bachelor of Science in Music Therapy from Elizabethtown College in Elizabethtown, PA and has been in MA facilitating music experiences for children since 2004. She has been a Board Certified Music Therapist for 20 years. A classically trained soprano, Jen enjoys helping to direct kids’ choirs at her church (singing and tone chimes) as well as singing and ringing handbells in the adult ensembles whenever time allows. During her childhood and young adulthood, she participated in two dozen music theater productions, and “Music Jen” has also helped to direct music theater camps for children. Each summer, you can find Jen leading the music crew for Westborough’s Ecumenical Vacation Bible School as well. Jen feels it an honor to be in her eleventh year of serving as a Girl Scout leader in Grafton, MA. She’s a member of the Service Unit (Junior Representative) and is song leader for such events as bridging ceremonies, powderpuff derbies, and winter caroling (for Grafton Celebrates the Holidays). “Music Jen” has a passion for helping others to have fun while getting lots of learning done, and she meets each person where he/she/they are at regarding energy level, interest level, and mood every class. She likes to see movies/concerts/music theater shows, take walks, and spend time with family, especially her daughter who is in 11th grade and her son who is in 8th.
Peggy Hoime
Wellness Coach
With a background in Elementary and Special Education, Peggy spent many years working with children who were labeled as having an inability to learn and function in a regular classroom. She has spent over 40 years telling young people to not let anyone tell them that they can’t learn or achieve what they desire in life.
Because of the amazing results she had with children, who were thought to be behind in their emotional and educational abilities, Peggy was asked to speak at Teacher’s Conventions and Parent &Teacher Associations on how to motivate children, not only to learn, but to thrive.
After moving to New England, Peggy enrolled in Education with Insight through the Fitzgerald Institute and became a certified Master Trainer. She does parent coaching, as well as professional development for educators in order to teach others how to honor children for all the wonderful gifts they possess.
In her free time, Peggy loves to travel and engage in outdoor adventures with friends and family.
Board of Adivsors
Jackie Downing
Early Childhood Educator, Center Founder/Director with 27 years of experience. Assessed preschools in accreditation process with the NAEYC for eight years, helped build a few playgrounds, chaired various early childhood organizations and taught pediatric first aid. Still enjoying the profession!
Brooke Giroux
Marketing Director for Giroux Electrical Contractors, Inc. with over 15 years experience in marketing, from startups to corporate. Her passion for entrepreneurship developed at an early age as she watched her parents run a business importing gourmet Italian food. She built on that foundation by attending Babson College and working at two startups before moving into the corporate sector. Throughout her career she has developed anything from branding strategies to lead generation campaigns. Her passion now lies in growing the electrical business her husband has built over many years. Outside of work Brooke enjoys activities related to health and wellness including bike riding and cooking with her husband and their two young children.
Dr. Casey Gauthier D.C.
Dr. Casey began practicing chiropractic care in 2012. His involvement in the industry began in 2002 as a patient. Through receiving regular chiropractic care he recognized his true calling in life and was inspired to pursue his Doctorate in Chiropractic degree. He brings an amazing dynamic to his work that provides an increased capacity to serve the community through the most modern advances in chiropractic care.
Johanna Booth-Miner
Johanna is the owner and director of Live & Learn Early Learning Center in Lee, NH. For 45 years through Live & Learn she has worked to meet the needs of and develop an educational partnership among family, Live and Learn Early Learning and the community that works together to maximize the potential of each child. This NAEYC accredited program is a nature based place based early care and education program.
Johanna has always been active in the professional organizations for Early Childhood professionals, serving 13 years as President of The Alliance for Better ChildCare and now is the Past-President of the New Hampshire Association for the Education of Young Children, (NHAEYC). Johanna is NH Credentialed Master Professional Workshop Trainer, Mentor Consultant and holds a BS in ECE. Her areas of professional interest and expertise include teacher education, STEAM and nature based training, early care social and emotional development and curriculum.
Suzan Cullen
Sue has been a passionate public educator in Massachusetts for 36 years. She began her career teaching reading to young children. Sue evolved into teaching graduate courses that promoted educators to enhance their skills. She loved this work knowing she was reaching even more kids through her adult students.
Sue progressed into administration and became the curriculum director in both Northbridge then Blackstone Millville before moving to Assistant superintendent and then Superintendent of schools in North Attleboro, MA, a title she held for seven years. Sue was the first woman superintendent for the town. She served on many local and national boards, always focusing on enhancing the educational experiences for both adults and children.
Sue is the proud mom of two grown children and has eight wonderful grandchildren. Three of whom have attended the Fitzgerald Institute and made amazing progress. Her exposure to the way the “Fitzin” community educates their children impressed her and she is thrilled to serve on the Board of Advisors.
Sue and her husband recently retired and live happily on Baboosic lake in New Hampshire.
Karim El- Gamal
Bio Coming Soon!